Written by Besa Gordon - Take me back to Holiday Jam 😩 So fun fact about me, I'm nervous before I hit any stage. Before going up, I'm clammy, I overthink what I'm going to say oooorrr, I over-read my notes worried I'll forget something. But once I'm up there, it's all good. Oh, and let's not forget getting on a stage in a different city/state. I know I can't be the only overthinker out here, LOL. Anywhoots, I wanted to post this earlier while I was on air at V101.1 buuuttt clearly, the day got away from me 🤣

Reflecting on what happened at Holiday Jam, I'm reminded as to why I love being in radio. Jumping on stage and making thousands of people scream is such a wild and energizing feeling. The first time I did it, I instantly knew what artists meant when they said there's nothing like performing on stage and feeling the energy of the crowd. It's a vibe I wish I could bottle up for when I'm having a bad day and need a pick-me-up.

When I first started at iHeart in 2015 as a street teamer, I only dreamed of getting on stage and doing things like this. I remember working the KISS 106.1 Fall Ball and bringing fans to meet and greets, being outside at the tent giving out last minute tickets to fans, getting to the venue HOURS before the concert started to help setup, and being there HOURS after to help take things down and back to the radio station. And frankly not even being able to see the show for the most part because of where I was assigned to work that night.

From getting to station concerts early to help with setup, to now getting there early to go over the show rundown and checking the schedule for when I get to rock the stage, are always going to be full circle moments for me, and a reminder that it was all worth it to get where I am today.

If you have a goal, and you're doing the jobs no one else wants to do to get where you want to be, keep pushing fren. One day you'll look back and be so happy you didn't giveup. I know I sure am.

BTW! This year's show featured performances by E-40, Mya, Blackstreet, Mistah F.A.B., DJ Quik, Sage The Gemini, Baby Bash, Frankie J, Petey Pablo, Lumidee and Lighter Shade Of Brown. TWAS A SHMOOD!

Photos by: Joseph Saragoza on behalf of Converge Media